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Going By How I Feel
The Copper Isle Ghostslayer follows a determined nature photographer with a past as an investigative journalist who arrives on the island to clear her brother’s name after he’s wrongfully convicted of murder. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a mystery set on an island and have an amateur sleuth, like Layla Devereaux, try to solve it. I also read a story about a shipwreck long ago with bags of gold on it. I wondered what would happen if someone found the gold, and the story developed from there.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I enjoyed writing about Layla from her point of view. Narrating the novel in the first person allowed me to portray Layla’s emotions in a more personal way, I think. I also enjoyed introducing the other characters in ways that related to how she dealt with them and felt about them because I could develop them through their relationships with her.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
I try to pace my novels in a way that will hold the reader’s interest. So as the novel develops, I go by how I’m feeling as to whether the story needs a plot twist or maybe a ghostly encounter at certain points. I think story development and plot twists intertwine with each other.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am working on a romance novel.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Book Review
As Layla searches for answers, she grapples with ghosts from her own past failed relationships. But dealing with both the living and dead becomes easier with Colton by her side. To solve the lighthouse murder and secure her brother’s release, Layla must learn who she can trust among the living as well as the dead before the island’s dark secrets claim yet another victim.
The Copper Isle Ghostslayer
The Copper Isle Ghostslayer, by Terri Greening, is a captivating blend of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural, set against the eerie backdrop of Copper Isle. Layla Devereaux, a determined nature photographer with a past as an investigative journalist, arrives on the island to clear her brother’s name after he’s wrongfully convicted of murder. Her mission, however, quickly becomes far more complex as she uncovers dark secrets buried within the island—and encounters restless spirits tied to a tragic history. As Layla digs deeper, the stakes rise, forcing her to question whether solving the mystery will free her brother or endanger her life.
Greening’s novel impresses with its intricate plot, vivid characters, and atmospheric world-building. The pacing keeps readers on edge, creating a sense of urgency without feeling rushed. What sets this mystery apart is the author’s masterful use of misdirection. Just when you think you’ve pieced the clues together, Greening reveals unexpected twists that take the story in new directions. This constant element of surprise elevates the novel beyond a typical whodunit, blending ghostly encounters, hidden treasure, and themes of redemption into a seamless narrative.
Character development is a standout feature. Layla is not just the protagonist; she’s a deeply complex character coping with her brother’s imprisonment and her escape from an abusive marriage, adding an emotional depth to the story. Even the secondary characters, who seem minor at first, are intricately tied into the plot, each playing a pivotal role as the mystery unfolds. Greening’s careful attention to character complexity keeps readers invested in both the plot and the emotional stakes.
The romance subplot enriches the story without overshadowing the central mystery, maintaining a perfect balance between suspense and human connection. The novel’s paranormal elements heighten the tension, contributing to the eerie, foreboding atmosphere without overshadowing the main storyline. The ghosts aren’t just decorative; they play a key role in unraveling the island’s mysteries, keeping readers in suspense as they wonder whether the threats Layla faces are supernatural or all too human. This uncertainty adds to the stakes, making the danger feel real and ever-present.
Greening’s world-building is vivid and immersive—Copper Isle feels alive with its haunted history, rugged landscape, and sense of isolation, all of which mirror the novel’s themes of entrapment and escape. The sense of claustrophobia and the island’s oppressive atmosphere enhance the story’s intensity.
With its well-crafted plot, richly developed characters, and a gripping narrative that blends suspense and the supernatural, The Copper Isle Ghostslayer is a thrilling read from start to finish. Greening’s skillful writing weaves emotional depth, eerie tension, and unexpected twists into a satisfying mystery that will keep readers hooked. For fans of complex mysteries layered with ghostly intrigue and personal stakes, this novel is a must-read.
Pages: 248 | ASIN : B0CR6PG7XK
LITERARY TITAN 